Hearing-aid use and available aid ranges

The assertion that a wide range of hearing aids is necessary in auditory rehabilitation has frequently been made, but little evidence has been offered as support. Further, little explanation has been offered as to the constitution of an adequate range of aids, nor what determines the adequacy. Comparisons of use rates of two large populations of people, one fitted from a wide range of aids and the other from a narrow range, provides some information on the relationship between extent of the aid range available and the results of fitting. The conclusion is reached that fitting methods and procedures appear to be more significant than aid range in ensuring that hearing aids are used consistently.